Sajith to be presidential candidate in 2024

• SJB had embarked on forming a grand opposition alliance and is to begin discussions with other parties shortly

By Yohan Perera 

It is obvious that Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa should be the common opposition candidate at the presidential elections in 2024, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) National Organiser Tissa Attanayake said yesterday. 

Mr. Attanayake told a press conference that Mr. Premadasa is the only alternative leader, the country can think of as of now. “We will put forward this proposal to opposition political parties officially whenever the presidential election is declared,” he added.  He said SJB had embarked on forming a grand opposition alliance and is to begin discussions with other parties shortly.  Mr. Attanayake said his party had already compiled a constitution for a grand alliance and had sent it to a few parties that are seen as potential allies. “We have also appointed a ten-member team to start up a dialogue with potential partners. This team includes the national organiser and SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara. It is obvious that SJB should play a leading role in the grand opposition alliance as it is the next powerful political and alternate political force for the ruling camp,” he said. 
Also, he said provincial council elections should not be held immediately though it is important to allow the people to elect their provincial council representatives. “Provincial Council election should be held only after the COVID-19 pandemic is controlled,” he said.